What is the meaning of Jeremiah 23:2? Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who tend My people • “Shepherds” refers to kings, priests, prophets, and any entrusted leaders (Jeremiah 10:21; 22:1–3; 1 Peter 5:2). • God Himself speaks, underscoring that leadership over His people is never autonomous but always answerable to Him (Numbers 27:16–17). • The title “the God of Israel” reminds hearers of the covenant relationship leaders must honor (Deuteronomy 7:6; Psalm 100:3). You have scattered My flock and driven them away • Instead of gathering, these leaders pushed God’s people into idolatry, exile, and despair (Ezekiel 34:4–6; Jeremiah 50:6). • Scattering can be doctrinal (false teaching), moral (corrupt example), or physical (forcing people from their land). Jesus contrasts with Himself as the Good Shepherd who gathers (John 10:11, 16). • The phrase shows hurt as well as anger; the flock is precious to the Shepherd (Isaiah 40:11). And have not attended to them • Neglect compounds abuse. Leaders failed to feed, protect, and heal (Isaiah 56:10–12; Matthew 9:36). • Spiritual carelessness leaves people vulnerable to wolves—false prophets, oppressive systems, personal sin (Acts 20:28–30). • God measures leaders not merely by what harm they avoid but by the nurture they provide (2 Timothy 4:1–2). Behold, I will attend to you • A deliberate play on words: since shepherds would not “attend” to the flock, God will “attend” to them—in judgment (Ezekiel 34:10). • No leader outranks the Chief Shepherd; accountability is certain (Hebrews 13:17; James 3:1). • God’s personal intervention protects the flock and vindicates His name (Psalm 23:3; Zechariah 2:8). For the evil of your deeds, declares the LORD • Judgment matches deeds; this is reaping what was sown (Galatians 6:7; Revelation 18:6). • “Evil” here is not a vague failure but calculated wrongdoing: deception, exploitation, violence (Jeremiah 22:17). • God’s declaration seals the verdict—no appeal, no escape (Nahum 1:6). summary Jeremiah 23:2 exposes negligent, harmful leaders who scattered God’s people and shirked their duty. The Lord, as covenant God and ultimate Shepherd, promises direct accountability: because they would not care for the flock, He will confront and judge them for their evil acts. The verse reassures the faithful that God sees every abuse, values His flock, and will act decisively to protect and restore them while holding every shepherd fully responsible. |
    |